Discipline in minor hockey: Part 2 – Solutions

The common refrain: the one thing players understand
is removal of ice time. That may be true – in pro, in junior, perhaps even in
elite midget hockey. It is certainly not true in minor hockey as a whole.

If benching a kid is perceived to be the only way to
communicate a message, a punitive one indeed, then we’re missing the point.
Consider the example given last week of the association offering a one-shift
and/or one-game suspension. Discipline is more complex than that. Benching is
an all-or-nothing approach.

Even after proper consultation with parents and association
members, it is a last resort and one that requires graduated levels of
severity. For instance, one shift to one period, two periods to a game, a week
and so on. And all of this after every possible effort has been made to deal
with the issue.

But one of our problems in minor hockey is that the
game is not overseen by professionals, either at the board or coaching levels.
Everyone means well and has the kids’ best interests at heart. However that
often doesn’t translate to being able to deal with complex player issues which
may be rooted elsewhere, such as at home, school, or in the neighbourhood.

Yes, benching may work. I haven’t seen many situations
though where it was a long-term solution. Moreover it is not the only thing
kids understand. To assume that is to insult the intelligence and perception
skills of our youth. They know and understand more than we give them credit
for.

There are lots of things kids understand when it comes
to discipline. They know when a coach is respectful, demanding or fair. They
usually know when they’ve crossed the behaviour line. They know and understand
codes of conduct and fair play. And if you ask them, you’d be surprised at the
answers they’d give about punishment or what is just. Benching is just one small
component. And then, what if benching doesn’t work?

Coaches, and to some degree their governing
associations, haven’t done a very good job of creating a progressive discipline
approach. I’ve only seen one document where steps were actually laid out for coaches
to deal with problems. It no longer exists.

Benching is certainly an expeditious and convenient
solution. Discussions with parents and the player, examining conflict
resolutions, understanding how and why issues escalate, and offering age
appropriate solutions require much more time and effort. This is why coaching
can be challenging and having experienced individuals to mentor coaches to
address such problems is so vital.

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